Courage & Foolishness

            It takes a lot of courage, to put things in God's hands,

            To give ourselves completely, our lives, our hopes, our plans.

            To follow where God leads us and make His will our own.

            But all it takes is foolishness, to go the way alone!                    

                                                                                          -- Anonymous

Courage and Foolishness: The difference between the two is really not that great. What is courage to some is foolishness to others.

Do you remember the story of David and Goliath? David's the kid with a few smooth stones and an awesome sling shot who nailed the  warrior giant, Goliath, with a rock between the eyes. We say David has great courage because we know the ending of the story: Goliath struts, David lets fly the stone, Goliath falls, David wins! Break out the champagne and celebrate! But, what would you have felt, had you actually been there before the battle began?

"It takes a lot of courage to put things in God's hands."

A 9 foot monster built like a tank with armor weighing over 200 pounds taunts you to come and fight. Day after day for forty days you watch this ugly brute march up to your camp and insult you and your God. His threats and taunts produce the desired result: fear. You want to do something. You want to stand up to this threat. You want to do what is right but instead, you watch and wait.

"To give ourselves completely, our lives, our hope, our plans."

Who are the giants in your life? We all have them you know. It may be a person, or a pressure on the job, or a problem in the family, but to you it is a giant. And this giant does not come out once and then go away. It comes relentlessly morning and evening, day after day, hammering at your willpower and challenging your senses.

How do you react? Do you run? Do you give-in? Do you compromise? You want to react with courage, but then you stop and think, "Who am I to deal with a problem this big? Why should I be different from everyone else?" This isn't courage. It's foolishness.

"To follow where God leads us and make His will our own."

All odds were against David, but he was not impressed or intimidated by Goliath. David always seemed to keep in mind that no matter how big the giants may be in our life, God is always greater. We can all say that, but when the chips were down, David really believed it and trusted in God to see him through. Can you? Is your faith in God big enough?

"But all it takes is foolishness, to go the way alone!"

The courage of David is not found in slingshots vs. armor or brains vs. brawn. There is no guarantee that a David will always defeat Goliath. Rather it is David's willingness to do what is right, wherever that leads and whatever the consequences.

Giants loom and we allow ourselves to be intimidated. We forget to pray; to believe. We forget to trust. David walks up to Goliath and says, "All those gathered here will know that it is not by sword or spear that the Lord saves; for the battle is the Lord's." God honors that kind of courage. God will honor you when you truly see that even a giant like Goliath is a dwarf standing next to God.

It takes a lot of courage to put things in God's hands.

To give ourselves completely, our lives, our hope, our plans.

To follow where God leads us and make His will our own.

But all it takes is foolishness, to go the way alone!

David and Getting Even

Tolstoy wrote about an honest and hardworking Russian peasant who stayed in a local inn. A man was killed that night and the murderer placed the weapon in the bag of the sleeping peasant. The police discovered it and put the hapless peasant in jail. For twenty-six years the peasant survived the harsh conditions of prison on the bitter hope that someday he would obtain revenge.

After twenty-six years the real murderer was placed in prison and then caught attempting to escape. One prisoner saw everything: the peasant. At long last the opportunity dreamed about since that villainous night twenty-six years ago presented itself, for on the peasant’s word the murderer would be put to death. Here was his big chance. If it were you; what would you do?

“Don’t get mad, get even!” is our chanted mantra. Maybe an employer treated you unfairly or a coworker climbed to the top over your back. A spouse abandoned you. Your parents failed you. You were “done wrong” as they say and now you are waiting for a chance to retaliate. “Don’t get mad, get even” is a reasonable response in the face of gross unfairness, isn’t it? No, it is not!

God calls it vengeance and has a lot to say about it. “Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to God. For it is written, “I will take vengeance;” (Romans 12:19) I don’t like God’s emphasis on “never avenge.” I would want to say, usually. I would seek exceptions for extreme examples like our Russian peasant, but not God. A good Biblical example would be David. 

King Saul was insanely jealous of David’s increasing popularity and eventually stripped him of his job, his wife, his best friend and his self-respect, finally forcing him to flee for safety. For years not days, Saul pursued David looking to exterminate him. But then:”Saul went into a cave to relieve himself. But as it happened, David and his men were hiding in that very cave!” (1 Samuel 24:3)

Again, if it were you -- what would you do? “’Now’s your opportunity!’ David’s men whispered to him. Then David crept forward and cut off a piece of Saul’s robe.” (4-5) Why did David do that? Saul was trying to kill him. Why didn’t David get even? Instead, he crept close to Saul and performed the equivalent of a teenage prank or practical joke. Even that small act of defiance made David feel guilty. “The LORD knows I shouldn’t have done it,” he said to his men.” (6)

In the military, it is drilled into you: ‘salute the rank, not the person.’ Saul was anointed by God to be King. David was duty bound to treat the King with respect and honor. David wisely chose mercy and to confront Saul with truth. As he left the cave, David appeared and held up a piece of his robe. “This proves that I am not trying to harm you and that I have not sinned against you, even though you have been hunting for me to kill me. The LORD will decide between us. Perhaps the LORD will punish you for what you are trying to do to me, but I will never harm you.” (11-12)

David’s refusal to succumb to the temptation of “getting even” was a turning point because he chose to do what was right by repaying evil with good. “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink., Don’t let evil get the best of you, but conquer evil by doing good.” (Romans 12:20-21) David ultimately chose to place his faith in God not revenge.

Speaking of turning points; the Russian peasant had his own opportunity to “get even” with the man who ruined his life. But instead of jumping at the chance, the story describes the peasant as experiencing the overpowering grace and love of God. The darkness that was within him was suddenly filled with light and the peasant found himself saying to the officers: “I saw nothing.”

That night the murderer approached the peasant and on his knees begged for forgiveness. Again, the light of Christ flooded the peasant’s heart: “God will forgive you. Maybe I am a hundred times worse.” And at those words the peasant’s heavy heart grew light as he received God’s comfort.

I don’t know of any better witness to your faith in God than a willingness to forgive someone who has grievously harmed you.

Is it easy? Never! Is it necessary and worthwhile? Absolutely! Your willingness to forgive could be the principal turning point in your life, your health and your faith.

Tacky Lights: Why Do You Do It?

For me, Christmas always starts with lights - lots of lights. What can I say? I grew up in Virginia Beach, Virginia, home of the “Tacky Light” tour. I have an interesting theory: Brighter lights on the outside mean brighter, happier families inside. If true - our family is deliriously happy!

Recently I purchased one of those gadgets that will coordinate the flashing lights with popular Christmas carols. So, now when you come by our house you will see a cascade of lights blinking merrily in rhythm with the music.

People who know me shake their head, laugh and say, “That’s Larry.” Others, also shake their head and walk away wondering if this preacher needs professional help.

“Larry, why do you do it?”

I thought my lights were pretty unique until I heard about Steve Frazier in Rustburg, Virginia who strings up over forty thousand lights around his house starting in July. (Did you say July? Yes, I did.) In addition he purchased wildly expensive equipment and literally choreographs a show synchronizing the lights to holiday music. The Frazier house attracts thousands of visitors from all over the area who tune their car radios to an FM station and watch the lights groove to the music.

Isn’t this a little strange? Why does he do it?

In a recent newspaper article, Steve says: ” He loves standing outside the house and talking to people. It’s turned into almost a ministry. People open up to me and talk about everything.”

“Why do you do it?”

Well, the Wise Men found Jesus by following the light of an unusual star: “And the star they had seen in the east guided them to Bethlehem. It went ahead of them and stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were filled with joy!” (Matthew 2:9-10)

How about this?

Jesus said to the disciples and to us: “You are the light of the world—like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house. (Matthew 5:14-15)

Admittedly, I don’t think the wise men followed 40,000 Christmas lights and I doubt Jesus was thinking about tacky lights when he said, “You are the light of the world,” but here is my point.

Sometimes we are called to let our light shine brightly so people can see who we are, what we believe and Who we serve. In the midst of sharing laughs about my tacky lights I often receive an opportunity to talk about my faith in God: Funny but true.

Of course there are many other ways to be a light where people will ask: Why do you do it?

·         Why do you help a needy family every Christmas?

·         Why are you always so nice to everyone at work?

·         Why do you spend so much time at your church?

·         Why do you host a Bible study at your house every Friday night?

We are called by Jesus to be the light of the world. What we do and say makes a difference in people’s lives whether it’s helping someone in need, sharing a laugh or spending time in prayer. 

Speaking of lights, maybe if I start in July next year I can display may own tacky light tour. I’ll purchase a new sound board, buy a gigantic manger scene, put a star on the roof – (Groan!)

Merry Christmas.

May God bless you with a grace-filled, light-filled 2011.

Christmas Renewal

Christmas is supposed to be a time of spiritual renewal for everyone. After all, we are getting ready to celebrate Jesus’ birthday. But, we have Christmas programs and special services full of people hungry to hear the “Good News.”  So, we become tired and cranky from too many events, too many crisis, too much pressure and too little time.

Several years ago, I attended a meeting where we spent the day interviewing twelve future ministers. One by one, they were asked to tell how God changed their lives.

• A businesswoman left a thriving career, friends and family to serve three rural churches. 
• A counselor attended Bible College in his spare time and is now serving a church part-time until he completes his education.
• A successful contractor moved his wife and children from a thriving city to a small town.
• A minister’s son who swore he would never follow in dads footsteps…. did!
• A nurse who’s heart warmed by God’s Holy Spirit became involved in spiritual healing.
• A Vietnam veteran who fought and survived while others died dedicated his life to God.

Each minister faced multiple problems of low income, attending school, leading a church, maintaining a family life and trying to spend personal time with God. In any other profession this would be a formula for disaster. Yet, they were enthusiastic and full of exuberance about their future and especially about their relationship with God.

What was their secret? How could they be so enthusiastic in the midst of such obstacles?

Peter, surrounded by a crowd, was once asked the same question: “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is filled with joy, and my mouth shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life, and you will give me wonderful joy in your presence.”                                                     (Acts 2:25-28)

Peter never denies the difficulties life presents, but he makes several important statements:

• The Lord is with me. Knowing God is with you gives purpose and meaning to your life.
• I will not be shaken. Refusing to allow today’s obstacles to overcome your faith.
• My heart is filled with joy. A celebration of God’s continuing love and guidance.
• I have hope. The obstacles will pass or be overcome, but God’s love endures forever.
• You have shown me the way of life and joy. Thank you, God!

These enthusiastic new ministers reminded me of how God continually turns ordinary people into special servants. This is what I believe God has done for you. As we celebrate the Christmas season, my prayer is that God will continue working living miracles in you and in me.

So in the midst of this hectic but important celebration, may you know --

• The Lord is always with you.
• You will not be shaken for he is right beside you.
• Your heart will be filled with joy.
• You have hope.
• God has shown you the way of life.

Have a blessed Christmas and a joyous 2011!

Christmas Parties

Working for the church, I am required (required?) to attend a lot of Christmas parties. (Hey, stop groaning. Somebody has to do it!) I certainly have no complaints since the food is great and the people are pleasant but there are parties -- and there are parties. Several years ago I attended a Christmas party for teachers at an elementary school where my wife, Mell used to work. I just want to make one little comment about school teachers.

They really know how to throw a party!

We opened silly gifts and sang Christmas carols. But, then we were split into small groups to see who could decorate the best Christmas tree. That doesn’t sound so wild, does it? Did I tell you the actual tree was a person selected from our group? One poor teacher had garland wrapped around her body and tinsel hanging everywhere. An angel was perched on her head and three candy canes were sticking out of her mouth while two more were hanging from her glasses. Please pause a moment and try to picture this in your mind.

I had no idea school teachers could be so much fun?

I say this because schoolteachers can be intimidating -- something about grades, stern looks and being sent to the principal. (or is it principle? What did my English teacher say? I will never be a principal because I have no principles? Whatever!) To this day, I cringe upon seeing red pens. Every teacher uses them. Red means you’ve done something wrong on your paper and is usually followed by an X or F, which always means - bad grade for a bad boy! 

After marrying a teacher and being around her colleagues, I’ve discovered teachers are actually normal human beings. (What a surprise!) Most are extremely dedicated to their profession and work hard at being good role models for their class. After a hard few months of trying to teach and keep control of twenty to thirty screaming children, I understand why they need to unwind.

When the timing and the occasions are right these teachers know how to have fun.

Isn’t this the way it should be -- for teachers, for preachers, for all of us?

Paul sent this reminder to one of his churches. “Whatever happens, dear friends, may the Lord give you joy. I never get tired of telling you this. I am doing this for your own good.”  (Phil 3:1)

People who believe in God have a serious task to do. We have been called to witness to the ends of the earth. One part of our witness needs to include an ability to give joy. In other words, we stern, stuffy Christians need to laugh, not just occasionally, but often and enthusiastically.

Laughter has a way of lightening the load and reducing tension. Laughter increases the production of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers. Humor can also be an excellent way to break down barriers. A willingness to laugh at yourself often allows others the chance to feel comfortable around you, which invariably leads to more opportunities to be a witness for God.

“You’re 76 years old!” A little girl said to her grandma after reading her driver’s license.

“That’s exactly right!”  said the proud grandma.

“You also made an F in sex!”

Oops! There are those grades again! Now, try to tell me you don’t feel just a little better!

May God bless you throughout the Christmas season and may 2011 be your best year ever!

Special Note: I wrote this particular for two reasons

1.    As a tribute to my wife Mell and her extraordinary dedication as an elementary school teacher.

2.    I also wrote it to encourage an atmosphere of joy and laughter as we get ready for Christmas.

As we approach Christ’s birthday, I offer prayers for those involved in conflicts around the world. I pray for peace only God can give. I pray for courage to be a witness for Jesus wherever I go. I pray for a love and understanding before judgment and condemnation. I pray for joy in the midst of hardship. I pray to be a light shining in the darkness. May God give you and me the true spirit of Christmas this year and prepare our heart for service in 2011.

Leading the Choir? Conclusion

Thanks to my less-than-inspired leadership our choir members were arguing, the congregation was mumbling and I was bewildered. "What's wrong with our choir?" I wondered. Actually, the problem was not with the choir but with me. I was about to receive a lesson on spiritual leadership courtesy of God and our real choir director. At this point she stood up and said, "Larry, can I make a suggestion?"

"Please!" I responded with obvious relief.

"Will you say a prayer and ask God to guide and lead you and our choir?" she asked. Wow! With one simple request, our choir director taught the most critical lesson of spiritual leadership.

To be an effective leader you should first ask for God's guidance.

What could I say? "I will be glad too." As I prayed for God's direction, I began to feel a sense of assurance God was in control of the choir, of our church and of me. All along, I thought quality spiritual leadership depended more upon me; my talents, my take-charge attitude and creativity. Instead, God was seeking my submission to His talents, His attitude, creativity and perfect will. "Amen," I said and for a moment there was silence. Then God's Spirit began to move within our choir:

"I would love to sing a solo if you need me but whatever you decide is fine."

"I've been doing an awful lot of solos lately. Maybe it is time for a change."

"Dan, I was kidding about playing the organ but could I play the piano with you sometime?"

"Excuse me. What are we singing again? In all the confusion I've forgotten."

To be an effective choir, surrender your talents and leadership to God.
Everyone was laughing by now but we learned several valuable lessons.

 

To be an effective choir, it helps to know what you are going to sing.

To be an effective choir, we need to sing from the same music.

To be an effective choir, we need direction and leadership.

To be an effective choir, you should first ask God to join.

To be an effective choir, surrender your talents and leadership to God.

I said to our choir director: "It was presumptuous of me to think that I can replace you. I'll stick to preaching and let you lead the choir. Thank you for teaching a valuable lesson. Will you forgive me?"

She smiled and replied, "Of course I will. Being creative and searching for our gifts and submission to God is what the choir and our church is all about. Now if you don't mind -- we have an anthem to sing."

Finally: To be an effective choir, you must allow God's chosen leaders to actually lead.

Could these same lessons apply towards other forms of leadership? Of course they can. Paul wrote in Romans: "I plead with you to give your bodies to God. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice-the kind he will accept. When you think of what he has done for you, is this too much to ask? Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will know what God wants you to do and you will know how good and pleasing and perfect his will really is." (12:1-2) Did you catch Paul's point?
 

Give yourself to God as a living and holy sacrifice.

Don't copy the behavior and customs others but let God transform you.

Then you will know what God wants you to do and you will know how pleasing His will is.

"Choir, may I join you?" There was a long pause. "Just to sing... to sing!"

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-----Original Message-----
From: Jacqui
Dear Rev. Davies, A few weeks ago I searched for a website of prayer and faith. I happened to see yours and decided to see what it was all about. I desperately needed prayer and my faith in God restored. I decided to put in a prayer request for financial freedom and faith in God. I expected to receive an informal computer generated note. What I received instead was awesome.

Within a few days I received prayer mail from around the world. I made new Christian friends. My faith in mankind was restored. I could hope again. The prayers were so personal. Every single person who responded actually took the time to read what I needed and prayed. Not only that, but they contacted me and personally ministered to me: No judgments, reprimands, insults and disgust. I received total understanding, Christian love and devotion to my prayer needs. That is awesome. I received advice, encouraging email, UNDERSTANDING for my situation and love, love, love.

Rev. Davies, thank your team from the depth of my soul. In this short time God is already blessing us? I testify today that we serve a miracle working GOD. Please continue to pray for us. We need to grow so much. Please ask God to bless us, to strengthen us, to keep us faithful, patient, obedient, quiet and loyal. Please pray for all of us. Thank you for restoring our faith. With love and gratitude: Jacqui, Peter, Matthew and Jenna.

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To read "Leading the Choir" part one click here: http://www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/ChoirandMinister.htm

Leading the Choir?

Recently, I stopped the director just as she was about to lead the choir during our Sunday morning worship service. "Excuse me. I'm sorry to interrupt but do you mind if I take over?"

She gave me a strange look but coolly replied, "No, not at all."

I said to the choir: "I've always wanted to direct a choir so today I'm going to do it. Will you help me?"

You could hear mumbling as first one then another choir member finally replied, "Sure… okay."

My hands went up just as I saw the director do so many times before. "Are you ready?"

"Wait," a voice from the choir shouted interrupting my directorial debut. "What are we singing?"

1. To be an effective choir, it helps to know what you are going to sing.

"Oh, that's a good question." I replied but already beginning to lose my confidence. Maybe this job wasn't so easy after all. "Let's do something familiar and Christmassy. Let's sing, "The First Noel."

The murmurings among the choir began again but stopped as soon as I raised my hands high. With a flourish I began the rhythmic side to side motions I watched so many directors use. I was confident my inspired direction combined with the solid voices of our talented choir, would create the finest performance of "The First Noel" ever rendered but alas, I was so wrong!

What really happened was an explosion of noise, off key singing and unrecognizable words. Some choir members were singing loud, some soft. Others seemed to be singing a different song. "Stop! Stop!" I screamed. "What are you singing?" I soon found out.

"I'm singing from the hymnal, of course," said one choir member. Others quickly chimed in.

"I'm singing from an arrangement I brought from home." 

"I decided to start with verse two."

"My words are in Spanish!"

"Wait! What song are we singing?"

2. To be an effective choir, we need to sing from the same music.

At this point, I didn't think it could get any worse but I was wrong again. An argument broke out. One choir member said: "Larry, This piece calls for a soloist and I will gladly volunteer my voice." Protests quickly emerged.

"Now, wait a minute. I'm the one that sings the solos here. I've been doing so for thirty years."

"It's been twenty years too long if you ask me."

"Why does Dan always have to play the organ? I want to play the organ."

"Wait! What song are we singing?"

3. To be an effective choir, we desperately need direction and leadership!

At this point, choir members were arguing, the congregation was mumbling and I was bewildered. "What's wrong with our choir?" I wondered. Actually, the problem was not with the choir but with me. I was about to receive a lesson on spiritual leadership courtesy of God and the real choir director.

Next week: “Leadership and the Choir” Part 2

Christmas Check List

Let’s see if I’ve got my Christmas to-do list done:”

·         Put up the Christmas tree -- check.

·         Bought Christmas presents -- check.

·         Hung stockings with care -- check.

·         Children visited Santa -- Oops! They’re too old.

·         Watched Miracle on 34th Street -- 4 times -- check.

·         Heard, “Grandma Got Run Over --” 400 times -- Ecch! check. 

Confess and repent of my sins -- What?

“Confess and Repent?” What a depressing way to think about Christmas. Larry, don’t you know those old-fashioned terms are out? Today we say: Codependency, Dysfunctional, Fetish, Psychosis, Neurosis and other excuses are the new terms for the 21^st century. Why go back in time? Yet every year during Christmas and Easter, church leaders and pastors usually read from the Bible about a prophet named John the Baptist and his emphasis on confession and repentance. Why?

This is probably not the Christmas message you want to hear. Am I right? Don’t lose hope; there is an uplifting ending, so stay with me.

In each of the four Gospels you can almost hear the shrill voice of John the Baptist, the animal skin clad, bug-eating prophet who proclaimed himself as,  “A voice shouting in the wilderness; ‘Prepare a pathway for the Lord’s coming! Make a straight road for Him!’” (Luke 3:4)

His next statement however should get your attention: “You ungrateful pile of snakes! Don’t just talk about being a follower of God, do something about it!” That’s pretty strong language. Wait! There is more! “Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised ready to sever your roots. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.” (From Luke 3:7-9)

      

·         You ungrateful pile of snakes!

·         Don’t just talk, do something!

·         God’s judgment is poised like an ax!

·         Every tree not producing fruit will be chopped down and burned!

Ouch! No wonder John the Baptist was beheaded. But he is right. We need to hear the voice in the wilderness crying out to: “Prepare a pathway!” which describes three basic tenets of our faith:

1. Sin: is anything that separates us from God. We all do it. We all must face it.
2. Confession: is the courage of admitting we are flawed human beings in need of help.
3. Repentance is our willingness to ask for and accept God’s power to change us.

A recent Gallop poll showed that Americans believe in Christ but few translate belief into action. Studies show, as much dishonesty and unethical behavior within the church as out. Divorce rates are as high within the church as out. When surveyed, people described religion as a balm for overcoming depression rather than a call for serious change. Yet the voice of John the Baptist rings loud and clear: “Don’t just talk; do something!”

The crowd responded to John the Baptist by asking, “What do we do?” (Luke 3:10-14) He said:

·         Share: Not just with your family but anyone in need. Give some of your blessings away. Learning to give is not just putting more money in the offering plate; it’s a foundation of your faith.

·         Play Fair: Be honest in your relationship with others! Employers, treat workers with genuine respect! Employees, earn your pay! Take a stand for what is right but with an attitude of love.

·         Be Content: We all want to be successful but God often has different ideas on what success really means. It may be time to ask: “Am I where God wants me to be?”  

This kind of preparation applies to all, from preachers to church leaders to sing-loud choir members to pew-sitters to sleep-in-and-forget-about-church pretenders. “Making a straight path” may be the most important Christmas preparation we attempt.

What about you? Does your Christmas list include an old-fashioned straight talk with God about your sinful behavior? We all need to face our sins but the best news of all? God promises to listen with compassion, offer total forgiveness, enable you to change and continue loving you. Isn’t that great? The “Good News” is about listening to John the Baptist now so you better appreciate what happens on Christmas Day. “Prepare a pathway for the Lord’s coming!”

So – How is your Christmas to-do list coming?

Christmas Good Samaritan

One day an expert in religious law stood up to test Jesus by asking him this question: “Teacher, what should I do to inherit eternal life?”

Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?”

The man answered, “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

“Right!” Jesus told him. “Do this and you will live!”

The man wanted to justify his actions, so he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 

Jesus replied with a story. (Luke 10: 25-30)

It was a cold, December night as Judy finished working the late shift. The supervisor warned employees not to walk through the parking lot alone, but she was in a hurry. Nearing the car Judy felt rather than heard a presence rushing toward her. Before she could react a rough hand grabbed her by the neck jerking back hard. Both feet left the ground as she felt herself lifted high. Then there was the too brief sensation of free falling through the air as she was flung to the hard pavement. Dazed and in pain, Judy smelled a foul odor of stale cigarettes and cheap wine as the attacker began to loosen the strap of her purse. Before there was time to scream, she saw his scowl and the flash of his knife --

Ed, a pastor in the area was driving home from a long and frustrating meeting at the church when his headlights picked up the attacker who upon seeing Ed’s car left Judy and ran. “Somebody needs help,” thought Ed and he slowed the car down for a moment – and then resumed driving. He said to himself: “It’s late and crime happens. Besides, I could get hurt. Something needs to be done about the violence in this community. Maybe, I can hold a prayer vigil or write the mayor.”

Judy had no idea how many times she had been slashed and stabbed but sensed that somehow she must find help or die. Slowly and painfully, Judy began to crawl toward the nearby street desperate for any passing motorist to see her. Struggling to her feet, in pain and nearly blind from the blood in her eyes, Judy began to stagger down the roadway --

Phyllis was excited about the upcoming Christmas Cantata. The music was in her car so she could practice. “Joy to the World, the Lord is Come,” she sang in perfect harmony with the accompanying voices. So intent on singing, Phyllis almost hit Judy staggering across the roadway. Quickly she swerved the car while simultaneously honking the horn. “Watch where you’re going!” she shouted. After a moment she calmed down and resumed singing, “Let every heart prepare Him room --”

As the car raced by, Judy cried out: “Somebody help me!” collapsed and passed out.

The next few hours were a blur in Judy’s memory, but through the haze she vaguely remembered hearing someone whisper: “It’s okay. You are going to be all right!” As she regained consciousness she noticed the hospital surroundings. A nurse stood nearby looking at monitors. Then Judy realized the tubes and wires from the machines were attached to her. She heard herself asking the nurse: “What happened?”  

The nurse looked her way and said, “You were robbed and beaten pretty badly. You’ve also been stabbed several times.”

“How did I get here?” Judy asked.

The nurse smiled and replied, “You were rescued by one of our hospital custodians, Ed Harris. On the way home from work he saw you, called the rescue squad and looked after you. He insisted on staying with you throughout the night to make sure you were all right.”

Jesus then said: “Now which of these three would you say was a neighbor to the one who was attacked?” 

The man replied, “The one who showed him mercy.” 

Then Jesus said, “Yes, now go and do the same.” (Luke 10:36-37)

I believe we are given opportunities to help someone in need almost daily. They are not as dramatic as the one presented here but they are opportunities. How will you respond? Christmas is an especially difficult time for many. How will you offer help?

Will you see the opportunity, slow down for a moment but then continue on your way?

Will you be too busy with your own hectic lifestyle to notice?

Or will you stop whatever you are doing and make a difference for someone in need?

This Christmas, spend time in prayer, attend worship and be alert. “‘You must love the LORD your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”

Will you see?

Will you act?

Be a Good Samaritan for someone today.

A Bear and Running Shoes

An older man was hiking in the woods with a young friend when they stumbled upon a big angry bear. Both men took off running but it was obvious that the bear was going to overtake them if something didn’t happen soon. The older man stopped, quickly pulled off his boots and began to slip on running shoes.

“You can’t outrun a bear, even in those shoes!” the younger man cried out.

“Son,” the older man said as he stood up. “I don’t have to outrun that bear. I only have to outrun you!” 

Ouch! This story says a lot about our world and the lifestyle we lead. Selfishness and greed are celebrated as standards to follow and allegiance should only be given to ourselves.

In the business world, a once respected phrase, “job security” is replaced with “corporate downsizing” (no matter how many people lose their jobs.) On the other side of the coin, “company loyalty” now becomes “upward mobility” (no matter how much it may hurt the company.)

In marriages, the phrase, “till death do us part” has been replaced with, “prenuptial agreement.”

“I don’t have to outrun the bear, I only have to outrun you!”

In the most outrageous example, a recent CNN news story reports that a Spanish businessman filed a lawsuit for damages to his luxury car against the family of a teenage boy he struck while driving. The businessman claimed that the collision that killed their teenage son also damaged his car.

News of the case sparked outrage throughout Spain. Hundreds of people descended upon the courthouse in support of the boys’ family.

In a recent interview, the businessman insisted that he was a victim too.

The teen’s mother said she was indignant that the driver would seek damages after killing her son.

No wonder the prophet Isaiah wrote:  “I know how stubborn and obstinate you are. Your necks are as unbending as iron. You are as hardheaded as bronze.” (48:4) 

“I don’t have to outrun the bear, I only have to outrun you.”

Selfishness and greed tend to define our culture but does not have to define you and I. We can choose to be different! Jesus said, “Anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing.” (John 14:12) What has Jesus been doing? He’s been establishing the best example of unselfish, sacrificial love. If we have faith in Christ, we can show the same unselfish, sacrificial love. The secret is our faith in Christ!  

Three workers at a construction site were asked: “What are you doing?” One said: “Breaking rocks.” Another replied: “Earning a living.” The third worker, however said: “I’m helping to build a cathedral!”

Which worker would you want on your team, in your business or in your family? Here is a more personal question: Which one of these workers would best describe your character and attitude?

“I don’t have to outrun the bear, I only have to outrun you.”

Let me offer a change to the ending of the bear story: The older man stops to put on his running shoes and hands another pair to his partner. “Quickly put these on and run with me,” he says. “Together, with God’s help, we can both outrun the bear.”

That’s the right attitude, as well as the spirit of Christ. Running shoes for two!

After much public pressure the Spanish businessman dropped his lawsuit against the family of the boy he ran over and killed. Local prosecutors are now taking a second look at the case to see about pressing fresh charges against him. Maybe we should see if the Spanish businessman can outrun that angry bear.